Arellano University survived a fourth quarter rally from gutsy Jose Rizal University, 65-62, to clinch its play-in spot in the NCAA Season 97 men's basketball tournament on Wednesday.
Justin Arana finished the game with 18 points, a career-high 29 rebounds, and two blocks to lead the Chiefs to the win and into the play-in round with 4-5 card.
The 6-foot-7 Arellano star also played all 40 minutes of the game.
JRU, meanwhile, closed out the eliminations round with a 1-8 card but nearly played spoiler in this one.
Down 53-46, the Heavy Bombers stepped on the gas pedal in the payoff period, opening the frame with a 9-4 run that cut their deficit to just two, 57-55, before Hommer Macatangay tied the game at 57.
But Kobe Caballero sank a jumper that gave Arellano a 63-62 lead before a steady Arana completed both his free throws on a trip to the line with 37.8 seconds left to spare, 65-62.
Heavy Bomber Jason Celis had the chance to tie the game but missed out on his triple attempt.
JRU played catch-up all first half long with Arellano leading most of the way as the first two quarters ended with the Chiefs up by six, 34-28.
Arana was already at the double-double mark at the halftime break, posting 11 points and 15 rebounds while Evan Agbong was the one keeping JRU at pace with Arellano with nine markers.
Arellano still couldn't establish enough separation, only leading by 10, 44-34, after an Archie Concepcion basket but JRU still kept up with Agbong operating from both ends, 44-40.
Arellano team captain Gelo Sablan then drilled seven of the last nine points of the Chiefs as the third frame ended with them enjoying a slim 53-46 cushion.
Axel Doromal, a former JRU Light Bomber now suiting up for Arellano, chipped in with 13 points for the Chiefs while Sablan finished with 11 of his own.
Agbong led JRU with 16 points with Marwin Dionisio the only other Heavy Bomber in double figures with 11.
The scores:
Arellano 65 - Arana 18, Doromal 13, Sablan 11, Sta Ana 7, Oliva 6, Concepcio 3, Valencia 2, Caballero 2, Carandang 2, Cruz 1, Steinl 0.
JRU 62 - Agbong 16, Dionisio 11, Macatangay 9, Delos Santos 8, Arenal 7, Celis 7, Guiab 4, Jungco 0, Bongay 0, Aguado 0, Estrella 0, Aguila 0, C. Gonzales 0, Dela Rama 0.
Quarters: 20-17, 34-28, 53-46, 65-62.
—JMB, GMA News
